Senior Banking Controller & Financial Reporting

The Controller is responsible for the leadership, execution, and continuous improvement of the Bank’s accounting and financial reporting functions, with direct accountability for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial information across both the Bank and its holding company.

Operating in a large and complex community bank environment, this role requires a balance of technical depth, operational discipline, and leadership capability. The Controller serves as the Bank’s internal authority on accounting and financial reporting matters, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and all applicable regulatory requirements while supporting a scalable, well-controlled finance infrastructure.

The Controller partners closely with the CFO on financial reporting, planning cycles, and control oversight, while also serving as a key interface with external auditors, regulators, and the Board. This role demands a hands-on leader who can manage complexity, anticipate issues, and drive consistent execution in a highly scrutinized environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations for the Bank and holding company, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close processes
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of all internal financial reporting and external regulatory filings, including Call Reports and related schedules
• Manage and continuously improve the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and audit readiness
• Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting, including variance analysis and financial performance reporting
• Maintain and enhance the Bank’s internal control environment, including FDICIA compliance, documentation, and testing coordination
• Serve as primary liaison for external audits and regulatory examinations, coordinating responses and ensuring readiness
• Oversee preparation of audited financial statements and annual reports in accordance with GAAP and regulatory expectations
• Maintain holding company and shareholder accounting, including dividend activity and related reporting
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting systems, processes, and controls to support growth and operational efficiency
• Support strategic initiatives, including M&A activity, balance sheet strategy, and finance-related projects as required
• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing accounting team, establishing clear accountability and performance standards
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development to ensure team capability keeps pace with organizational complexity
• Ensure appropriate staffing, succession planning, and cross-functional knowledge within the department
• Drive a culture of accuracy, ownership, and continuous process improvement
• Oversee workflow management, prioritization, and resource allocation across the function

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred (active or previously active)
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a significant portion within the banking industry or auditing financial institutions
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leader within a community or regional bank ($1B+ assets) or equivalent complexity
• Demonstrated ownership of full-cycle accounting operations, including month-end close, financial reporting, and audit coordination
• Direct experience with bank regulatory reporting, including Call Reports, with a clear understanding of related schedules and supporting processes
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP as applied to financial institutions, including areas such as:
• Loan accounting and interest income recognition
• Allowance for credit losses (ACL/CECL) frameworks and governance
• Investment securities (AFS/HTM), fair value considerations, and OTTI/impairment analysis
• Deposits, borrowings, and funding structures
• Experience operating within an FDICIA-controlled environment, including documentation, control design, and interaction with internal/external auditors
• Proven ability to manage external audit processes and regulatory examinations with minimal disruption to operations
• Exposure to…